Abstract
The biological properties present in mushrooms have been extensively studied. Besides nutritional properties, mushrooms have attracted market attention because they are a potential source of bioactive compounds able to perform several functions in organisms with benefits for consumer health. In recent years Coriolus versicolor aroused interest among researchers because of the bioactive properties demonstrated. Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharopeptide Krestin (PSK) have shown to be useful adjuncts to the therapy of cancer; these polysaccharides from C. versicolor have also shown prebiotic activity, stimulating the growth of probiotic bacteria. Furthermore, enzymes such as laccases produced by Pleurotus eryngii and Ganoderma lucidium can confer activity against HIV; lectins produced by Pleurotus ostreatus and Ganoderma carpense have shown anti-proliferative activity in tumour cells; superoxide dismutase present in some mushrooms has antioxidant activity. Secondary metabolites such as terpenes, steroids, anthraquinones and benzoic acid have also antitumour activity. This review article highlights the health-promoting potential of several mushroom species with special emphasis on C. versicolor.
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